Chet: FYI, the .222 "B" is listed in the 1971 Consumer Catalog, the fold out one. As Ruger won't tell us if they really ever built any, I've spent 30+ years looking for one to go with my non prefix .222 "B". To date I have never seen, been offered or actualy heard of anybody that has one.
However, like you said, there is simply no way to know for sure that it isn't real. Is my 257 Roberts non prefix "Real". I gues it depends on whether you believe my convoluted tale or not. Back then it never occurred to me that I was "collecting" #1s so I didn't save everything I should have, though I have some of it including a letter from Clayton offering to buy mine, after he did some reasearch. I talked to a couple of the old timers years ago at the factory while trying to track it down in the 80s, that swore they "remembered" the rifle but like most guys in my then age bracket, never wrote down, dates, names and exact statements.
Sadly after 40 years and 5 or 6 moves the original box is AWOL. Most of the guys are either dead or long since retired.
The part that is funny is I still have ALL the documentation, including the box and hang tag for my original 257 Roberts Model 77 MKI ST, that came on the same day to the same dealer that took delivery of my #1.
Sadly, he has since passed and his daughter couldn't find her dad's old records/books after a lengthy search, as a favor.
For those that doudt the barrels laying aroung idea, my 257 Roberts non prefix shipped in 1972 on a non prefix action with all the early parts but a early forearm. One of my 6mm "B" non prefixes shipped in 1975 on a non prefix action with a first generation butt stock but the internals of the actual action are all those of a 1975 rifle. So, yes, stuff lays around in parts, warranty and just "around".
Gramps, I was serious. If you buy it and decide to not keep it for whatever reason, I'll give you your money back. If you decide to not buy it I really would appreciate a heads up and a chance to buy it.
If it turns out to be RARE, great. If it doesn't it would still make a nifty shooter and look great with my factory #1s in 222.
I do know I could NOT buy a $500 parts rifle and put a Shilen tube on it and have the rest of the work done from scratch for any less than the asking price.
The very best
Ross W Thomas